Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Minneapolis, MN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$118,000 vs $148,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$106,306 vs $91,358
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$91,548 vs $80,194
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $118,000 | $148,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,000 | $112,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,000 | $192,000▲ | -$39,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $191,000 | $240,000▲ | -$49,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 5%▲ | +1.7999999999999998% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $106,306▲ | $91,358 | +$14,948 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $101,618 | $129,914▲ | -$28,296 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $91,548▲ | $80,194 | +$11,354 |
| Total Employment | 7,000 | 14,000 | -7,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $30,000 more (median: $118,000 vs $148,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($106,306 vs $91,358 equivalent). Boston, MA has the lower state tax rate (5% vs 6.8%).
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Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.